scornful

adjective

scorn·​ful ˈskȯrn-fəl How to pronounce scornful (audio)
: full of scorn : contemptuous
scornfully adverb
scornfulness noun

Examples of scornful in a Sentence

He's scornful of anyone who disagrees with his political beliefs. the actress gave the paparazzi a scornful glare before breezing on by them
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meghan Markle's Netflix Backlash Meghan's Netflix show earned scornful reviews not only in the British press, long the villains of Meghan and Prince Harry's narrative, but also among U.S. outlets that previously provided glowing coverage. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 The Nosotros people had returned Borja’s bribe money to him with no comment, only scornful silence, but the sting of the snub had not gone very deep. Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 This is the trapped subject, the voice crying out in the wilderness, seeking a response from the Everything but getting only the scornful bounce-back of itself. James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025 With the scornful wave spreading across social media, Marvel waded in to stem the tide. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scornful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scornful was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Scornful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scornful. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

scornful

adjective
scorn·​ful ˈskȯrn-fəl How to pronounce scornful (audio)
: feeling or showing scorn
scornfully adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on scornful

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